Denmark ends whooping cough epidemic

The whooping cough epidemic in Denmark has ended, announces Statens Serum Institut, with just over 100 cases noted from February 19-25. The infection rates, which began rising in early summer 2023, prompted the institute to declare an epidemic by September. Previous epidemics were recorded in 2019-2020 and 2016-2017. In unvaccinated infants, the disease can be serious, potentially resulting in fatalities; Denmark has seen six infant deaths since 1995. The disease is significantly less dangerous for other age groups. From January 1, 2024, free whooping cough vaccination for pregnant women becomes permanent in Denmark. Furthermore, the report shows decreases in COVID-19, influenza, and RS virus cases, but a slight increase in mycoplasma infections.